This 1964 Studebaker Avanti is far from perfect, but that’s sort of the point. As a genuine Studebaker-built example, it will always be desirable, but it’s not so perfect to put it out of reach of mere mortals. The seller notes that the engine isn’t original and it has some mechanical needs but it looks like a great starting point to me. Find it here on eBay with bids to $8K and the reserve unmet.
The seller is listing it on a friend’s behalf, and he notes that he’s addressed several mechanical jobs to make the Avanti roadworthy, including: new master cylinder; rear wheel cylinders; rear brake shoes; stop light switch; tail pipes; rear cross member; new battery; replacement carpet; and a new heater core. The seller further notes the radiator is “incorrect” but works fine.
The interior looks super clean, with no obvious damage to my eyes. The replacement carpet and heater core may indicate a coolant leak into the interior, but that’s just a guess. The dash and wood trim all look totally serviceable as-is, but I do wonder if black was the original carpet color. All glass looks good, too.
The seller adds that this was originally an R2 car that someone installed an R1 motor in. While this is a bummer, it also means you could feel comfortable adding a few performance modifications without too much guilt. Mileage is assumed to be chassis-only and is just under 100K; the seller recommends replacing the tires ASAP before driving. This Avanti may not be the best, but it sure looks pretty nice and potentially more affordable than showcar examples.
…don’t know about you, but I would much, much, much rather do the mechanicals on this than mess with rust repair…and I don’t see very much on this beauty…very tempting…
Well the body is fiberglass as are the floors so not too much opportunity for rust other than the steel inner rockers commonly referred to as hog troughs.
…and those are very expensive and troublesome to repair. Though he does say they’re good, I want to see for myself.
The hog troughs are solid
I
I want, want, want to love the Avanti. But I just can’t get past that sad-eyed-robot front end. Pity me.
Sounds like a steal. It’s at $8900 now, with no “reserve not met” showing, but with 30 bids the price may go a lot higher. Doesn’t look like it needs much, and anything between $12-15k would be more than fair. Great looking car in nice condition.
Love Avanti’s!! But, here’s the old story…money, time, place, etc.
Much respect for Studebaker for their bold move to come out with these unique cars. Too bad the original engine and supercharger aren’t in it! That’ll hold the price down some, to a degree. I really like these cars.
Love Avantis as well. Same problem as Patrick mostly time and place…..somebody give this a good home.
My memory is probably shot due to an overabundance of exhaust fumes, but didn’t the Studebaker built Avantis have “turned-metal” dashes as opposed to the vinyl look of this dash? Someone please straighten me out.
I think those were on various Hawk models. Don’t believe Avantis had them, although it may have been an option…
All are vinyl, have one. Have another that the former owner put Black paint from a can on it before cleaning the dash.
Have not figured out how to remove the enamel.
Finally………Studebakers are cool!
Really, the boomer generation scoffed at Studebakers for decades. Now we finally see the beauty in Golden Hawks, Champions, Avanti’s and many others. We now look past their engineering and mechanical shortcomings. The sheer styling beauty coupled with uniqueness make Studebakers the new star at “Cars and Coffee” events across America.
Thanks for the info JP. I guess I can go back to my exhaust fumes now….:-).